Questions about Mexico

candy444 · August 5, 2006

I am planning to have the Lap Band surgery done in Tijuana at the Cosmetic Surgery Center. So far I can find nothing negitive about having this procedure done in Mexico, but a few of my family members are concerned for my health. My twin sister had her band done in may/05 and has lost 120lbs. Dr. Fox in Dallas did her surgery, she informed me today most Drs in the US won't touch a band done in Mexico and I had better find someone before I even sched my surgery to do my after care. My questions are can anyone tell me a Dr. in the Ft. Worth area who would see me and had anyone had the lap band done at this or any clinic in Tijuana? Thanks , candy

jeangab · August 5, 2006

Yes you definetly need to arrange aftercare prior to leaving to Mexico for surgery. I was banded by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez in Monterrey Mexico and made arrangements for my aftercare prior to finalizing my surgery date. Also be sure to get a copy of your operative report (that what the US docotors request).

Jean

ready2bthin · August 5, 2006

First off, what kind of aftercare are you talking about? I had my band done in Mexico (about a week ago) and I feel pretty good. I have soreness around port area but from what I'm reading, that is pretty typical. I plan on returning to my doc in Mexico for my first fill which will be at least 6-8 weeks out. I do know of other docs in the area that will do fills for those banded in Mexico. When I inquired with Dr. Ortiz's Office (first doctor I looked at), they told me of a Dr. Dobson in Grand Prairie. I know of a gal who had my doc (Dr. Jose Rodriguez) and she goes to Dr. Maese for fills. My patient advocate recommends Red River Radiology in Paris for fills. She said they have never had a patient return to them with port problems, etc.

I do have a copy of my report in English, my band box with serial number.

beachgirl · August 5, 2006

Well I agree and disagree,

I wanted to make sure I had a couple of people lined up just in case and I live in Kentucky for Lord's sake, land of nowhere. Every single surgeon I called would take Mexican Banded Patients. I am using Dr. Curry but there were several that said yes right off the bat. I wouldn't let that scare me and I can't imagine living somewhere where there is something. LOL

LittleBird · August 5, 2006

I was aprehensive about having surgery in Mexico at first - actually it was more like "No way!" but once I found this group and heard all the wonderful success stories, I felt much better and decided it would be worth it - as self pay it was the only way I was going to be able to afford it!

I think aftercare is very important and having that arranged before hand should be a priority.

I'm in WA so I can't help you with any Dr. Names, but good luck to you!!

candy444 · August 5, 2006

I appriciate the info from people who know exactally what I'm going thru. I feel like I have been lost in the woods for weeks with little furry animals to talk too. (the seem sympathetic, but are pretty much clueless) As I mentioned before my twin has had her band for 15 months and shes doing great so shes a great wealth of information about the surgery and the lifestyle changes. But I think having to get on a plane for the first time and fly across the country and then crossing the border in to Mexico makes this a radically different experence. I also live in a small town and I know I will have to travel at least an hour to have my fills done, I will also be paying cash for these. (I think they go for 200 bucks a pop) By aftercare my twin said you will have to see the doc as soon as you get back home, then a week later, then a week after that, then every three months or so. All of her aftercare for a year was included in the cost of her surgery. Does this seem like maybe a little too much aftercare to anyone else? Thats like $600 worth the first month I'm back. I know my health shouldn't be about money, but why else would I go to have surgery in Tijuana?

argon · August 5, 2006

I think if you see anyone in the first month, a GP would probably suffice.

You're not going to be getting a fill as soon as you get home, or each week for the next couple (so no need to charge you $200 anyways) ....

I bet whatever happened when you sis saw her dr. so much in the first month, it was probably just for a quick 'how are you doing?" from him... maybe some stitches or staples out, if she had those. You probably would be fine to not see anyone (except if you have staples/stitches) until around 6 weeks out, when it's time for your first fill, if you need it.

By the way, Hi! And Welcome!

Mandi

princess_n_thep · August 5, 2006

Pushawwwwwwwww, You can find care. You can go to fillcenterusa and have it done. Or better yet, do as I do and just go back to Mexico for fills and checks. Is actually cheaper even with my flight!